Eighteen years ago, Jenn Peake stood at the back of a friend’s wedding ceremony with a camera in hand and tears in her eyes. It was her first time photographing a wedding—nervous, unsure, completely untested. But by the end of that day, she knew: this was the work she was meant to do.
Today, Jenn is the heart behind Tailgate Photography, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia and serving couples throughout Atlantic Canada. Her style is warm, natural, and emotionally rich—built on a foundation of storytelling that goes deeper than just “pretty pictures.” It's rooted in life experience.
Before she ever picked up a professional camera, Jenn spent years working in funeral services, a career path she originally pursued after being discouraged by a local photographer in high school. That decision may have delayed her journey, but it also shaped her perspective. “I understand how precious life’s moments are,” she says. “And it brings me so much joy to help others preserve those memories forever.” Her time in that field, combined with her own experience navigating infertility and personal loss, gave her a deep emotional lens through which she now documents life and love.
Jenn’s approach to photography is defined more by how she shoots than how she edits. Yes, she loves golden light and a soft, airy finish in post-production—but her true strength lies in the way she captures connection. Whether it’s a couple’s first look, a father’s teary toast, or the spontaneous laughter of a flower girl mid-reception, Jenn knows how to find the moments that matter most. Her editing style enhances the emotion; it doesn’t replace it.
A typical wedding season for Tailgate Photography includes full-day weddings across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, though Jenn is beginning to branch into destination weddings—something that’s been on her bucket list for years. She frequently shoots with her husband, making wedding days a family affair. Together, they’ve developed a seamless rhythm: he leads ceremony coverage while she documents candid moments and emotional reactions. Later, they regroup for portraits and reception storytelling. "If there’s a sunset, we always steal the couple away for a few minutes,” Jenn says. “Those are the moments that never disappoint.”
What sets Jenn apart isn’t just her skill or consistency—it’s the atmosphere she creates. Her clients often say she made them feel completely at ease, capturing their personalities without pressure or forced posing. “It’s not just about the photos,” Jenn explains. “It’s about making the whole experience feel effortless and fun.”
When wedding season is at its busiest, Jenn finds balance. She spaces out editing deadlines, prioritizes family time, and leans into the motivation that comes with knowing her work will become part of someone’s legacy. “Even when I’m exhausted, I show up,” she says. “Because I know what this work means.”
At her core, Jenn is a romantic. A dreamer who believes in the magic of love stories, but also a doer who has built a thriving business through perseverance, intuition, and heart. Her favourite quote, from country artist Lainey Wilson, sums it up best: “If you’re going to be a dreamer, you better be a doer.”
Tailgate Photography is not just a business—it’s a love letter to life, to connection, and to the fleeting beauty of real moments.
Website: tailgatephotography.com
Instagram: @tailgatephotography